Actor Channing Tatum is set to join the mutant universe, playing Gambit in an “X-Men” standalone film.

Tatum previously had expressed interest in playing the character, whose given name is Remy LeBeau. A Cajun charmer from Louisiana, Gambit has the ability to control kinetic energy, often charging items he touches, turning them into explosives and throwing them as weapons (playing cards are a favorite).

Created by Chris Claremont and artist Jim Lee, the former thief made his comic book debut in 1990 and has been featured in several “X-Men” animated series and video games.

The project is the latest in a series of films for the busy actor. Tatum will next be seen on the big screen opposite Jonah Hill in “22 Jump Street,” the sequel to the movie comedy based on the TV show that debuted in the 1980s. Then, he will star with Mila Kunis in “Jupiter Ascending,” Andy and Lana Wachowski’s next spectacle-laden sci-fi outing, which opens July 18.

Of course, Claremont’s work also inspired the upcoming “X-Men” film — “Future Past,” due out May 23, is adapted from one of the writer’s most beloved comic book story lines. Directed by Bryan Singer, the movie stars actors from Matthew Vaughn’s 2011 prequel “X-Men: First Class,” and the original “X-Men” trilogy, which launched in 2000 with Singer’s original “X-Men” and arguably ushered in the current golden age of comic book cinema.

“Future Past’s” expansive cast includes James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart playing Charles Xavier, with Michael Fassbender and Ian McKellen playing Magneto. Also featured are Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Ellen Page as Kitty Pryde, Halle Berry as Storm, Omar Sy as Bishop and Evan Peters as Quicksilver.

“Game of Thrones” star Peter Dinklage joins the ensemble as Bolivar Trask, the mastermind who initially creates robots called Sentinels, which in the future seek to drive mutants into extinction.

In Singer’s film, the X-Men ultimately hit upon a plan to prevent the bleak future. By projecting Wolverine’s consciousness back in time into the body of his younger self, they hope to unite friends-turned-adversaries Xavier and Magneto and avoid the events that will trigger the dystopia.

Are you excited to see “X-Men: Days of Future Past”? What do you make of Tatum’s casting as Gambit?

Leave your thoughts in the comments section below, and click through the image gallery above for a more detailed look at “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”

I think this movie is going to be epic however the gambit pick I would have went with the the one from the wolverine movie but oh well I hope he plays the part with the same flare cause Gambit was a ladys man with a slick personality who would sell his mother for the right price.

It's like Hollywood is making all the same mistakes now that Marvel made in the 1990's. Not every character deserves a movie. This kind of nonsense thins out the material and leads to good movies getting passed over because the genre becomes too diluted. Gambit? Ant Man? Who's next? Does Tigra get the big screen treatment?

Taylor Kitsch's problem was a lack of a believable Cajun accent. Normally it was missing in the Origins movie, so I'd rather someone else try it who can do it. Tatum does have the sexy factor and the confident personality to give to Gambit, so I think he might be able to handle it… time will tell.

Gambit is by far my favorite character or any comics. I own pretty much every comic of Gambit. So I will start by saying yes Taylor played the role of Gambit perfect. Would I rather see Taylor play Gambit? Yes of course!! Will i not see the movie just because Tatum is playing the role?! Hell no! Like I said Gambit is the best, So I'm very happy to see him get a movie and future roles. I'm not the greatest fan of Tatum, but I cant say I hate him either bc I havent seen many movies he was in. Just 21 jumpstreet and This is the end. and I loved both of them. They call it acting for a reason. Maybe the guy can pull it off. Either way I support the Gambit character. So glad to see a solo movie

Due respect to Channing Tatum and his talents – Taylor Kitsch fits the role better and made a fine Gambit in an earlier film. The character is definitely worth a feature film but needs the right actor.

Sorry but I like Taylor Kitsch for that role he did a good job in the movie. Tatum has been on G.I Joe, Magic Mike and 21 Jumpstreet and others, please gave a chance to Taylor to proof he is good for that role. Hollywood need to take a break to using the same actor for all the movies we get tired.

No….just. My first pick for the role of Gambit is the same for choice the casting directors wanted, Josh Holloway. They handed him the role for the second movie but he turned it down, said he didn’t want to be type cast. Taylor is my next choice, but only if they are setting it in the same time period as the Orgins movie. He did a well enough job in the role. But personally, as much as I adore the character, I really don’t want to see a solo movie of him. Gambit to me has always seemed as a secondary character, with the occassionally main story arc. He’s what is known in the fiction world as an ‘anti-hero’. Someone whose moral compass isn’t always pointed north, so to speak, but always just a little askew. But he is at his core a good human being.